Volume One

EARLY FALL SEMESTER 2018

August 31, 2018

The Campus Report

Distinguished Graduates Invited to Speak Morris College alumni are vital to the ongoing success of the college. Their accomplishments

say something about the quality of the education they received during their undergraduate

studies. Distinguished individuals like Mr. Mandrake T. Miller, Dr. Mack T. Hines, III, and the

Honorable J. Wayne George are among the college’s most aspiring, dedicated, influential and

passionate graduates. These three South Carolina natives have been invited to address the

student body and campus community during upcoming assemblies.

The Annual Fall Convocation is the official opening assembly for the academic year. During

the convocation, new students, faculty and staff are recognized, and pertinent information is

shared.

Mandrake T. Miller, a 2007 graduate, is the keynote speaker for the convocation. It will be

held on Thursday, September 13, 2018, at 10 A.M. in the Garrick-Boykin Human Development

Center. Miller’s professional career in higher education has always been “student affairs” fo-

cused. His invaluable experiences at Livingstone College, Bethune-Cookman University, Chowan

University and Virginia Union University ranged from residence life and housing, campus minis-

try and student life and development, to name a few. The former dean of students at Tuskegee

University, he was recently appointed Vice President for Student Success and Engagement at

Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, Florida.

Miller, an ordained minister and Army veteran, is completing the Doctorate of Education in

Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Christian Ministry from Grand Canyon Univer-

sity.

The President’s Lecture Series will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018, at 10 A.M. in the

Neal-Jones Auditorium. Instituted by the late Dr. Luns C. Richardson, the series exposes stu-

dents to interesting and illuminating speakers whose thought-provoking and inspiring lectures

bring unique insights and experiences which help enhance the college’s learning environment.

Mack T. Hines, III, a 1993 graduate, is the keynote speaker for this year’s fall series. Deeply

committed to the vital role educators play in the lives of young students and the difference they

make, Hines is widely known and regarded for his work in the areas of race, culture, diversity,

and inclusion.

His dynamic, down-to-earth approaches and strategies focus on the success of students,

especially African Americans. He has written numerous articles and is a featured speaker in

more than 200 conferences and symposiums across the country. His most recent book, White

Teachers, Black Students: In the Spirit of Yes to African American Student Achievement, was

released August 2017.

The Fall Honors Day Convocation will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 10 A.M. in

the Neal-Jones Auditorium. Students named to the President’s and Dean’s Lists during the

2018 Spring Semester will be recognized and applauded for their commitment to academic

excellence. J. Wayne George, a 2000 graduate, is the keynote speaker. On January 2, 2018,

George began his tenure as the executive director of the Municipal Association of South Caroli-

na. The Municipal Association offers “services, programs and tools that will give municipal offi-

cials the knowledge, experience and tools for enabling the most efficient and effective opera-

tion of their municipalities in the complex world of municipal government.”

His political career began when he was elected mayor of the City of Mullins and served from

1988 until 2004. Prior to becoming mayor, he served on the Mullins City Council from 1980 to

1988. He was a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives and represented Dis-

trict 57 in Dillon, Horry, and Marion counties from 2012 until 2016. He is an insurance and real

estate executive at The George Agency, which he founded in Mullins, SC.

These three distinguished gentlemen are excellent examples of what it means to adhere to the Morris College motto: “Enter to

Learn; Depart to Serve.” We are pleased to have them back to the campus. Everyone is invited to the assemblies.

Mr. Mandrake T. Miller

Dr. Mack T. Hines, III

The Honorable J. Wayne George

Inside This Issue : p1- Distinguished Graduates to Speak; p2- New Freshman Class; p3- Worship Services Held, New Mar-

quee; p4- UNCF College Tour, Student Leaders Pre-Screening, Employees Receive Training and Certification, Pursue Purpose

Page 2

New Freshman Class

Aaron D. Chisolm Summerville, SC

Starting out, I did not want

to venture far away from

home, so I decided to come

to Morris College. I heard

wonderful things from family

members who graduated

from here. I participated in

the Fast Track program and

was amazingly pleased. This

is a good place for me to

sharpen my sense of respon-

sibility and independence. I

want to major in Criminal

Justice. I have always been

fascinated with chemistry

and forensic techniques.

Bryanna N. Fleming Conway, SC

I came to Morris College be-

cause I was looking for a

family atmosphere. Everyone

I met were saying great

things about the college.

After I arrived on campus I

felt right at home. Morris

College is the right place for

me. I have always loved chil-

dren, so I want to major in

Early Childhood Education. I

remember teaching my

brother to read. The way his

face lit up because he had

learned something was so

rewarding.

Kayla Matthis Harlem, NY

I attended a HBCU fair in

high school and decided to

come to Morris College. I feel

being here will help enhance

my sense of independence

and responsibility. I want to

major in English because I

love writing. The programs

offered here will definitely

help me become more profi-

cient in the art of

“communication and expres-

sions.” I want to become an

acclaimed poet and a crea-

tive writer. This is a good

place to start.

Lauren Wilks Florence, SC

The professors at Morris Col-

lege care about student suc-

cess. I participated in the

Fast Track program and was

sold on the idea and im-

portance to taking education

seriously. They helped me

understand the responsibility

I have if I am to succeed. I

knew I would be coming

back majoring in biology.

Doing my part, I know that

the college’s pre-nursing

requirements will place me

on my pathway to success.

Members of the “Class of 2022” arrived on campus Saturday, August 18, 2018 to begin

orientation. Events and activities were designed to help make their transition smooth as

they move from high school to college. They were encouraged to meet new friends from

across the country and to immerse themselves in all the college has to offer in preparing them for the rest of their lives.

New Freshman Class

Page 3

As part of the freshmen orientation events to welcome new students and their

families, “The Journey Begins Worship Service” was held on campus in the O. R.

Reuben Chapel on Sunday, August 19, 2018. The message was delivered by

Reverend Ricky Simmons (1). He is the Youth Pastor at Jehovah Missionary Bap-

tist Church. A Sunday brunch followed in Daniels Dinning Hall.

Wordship Services Held

on Campus

Because religion plays a vital role in helping students deal

with issues of life and faith, Dr. Leroy Staggers (2) announced

that Sunday morning worship services will be conducted on

campus this academic year from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The pur-

pose of the one hour service is to remind everyone that a

close walk with God is critical in setting the trajectory of one’s

life. Minister Jonté McFadden (3), a Mass Communications

major delivered the message on Sunday, August 26, 2018.

Services will resume Sunday, September 9, 2018 with Minis-

ter Gerald Richardson delivering the message He is pursuing

studies in pastoral ministry. Dr. Staggers asked that the ser-

vices be coordinated through the offices of Student Affairs,

Church Relations and the College Minister. 1 2 3

New Marquee Attracting Attention

Morris College’s new Main Street marquee is quite an attraction. We are grate-

ful to Dr. Solomon Jackson, Jr., for his very generous matching gift, along with

board members, our Baptist family, alumni, faculty, staff and all our friends for

helping to make purchasing the Main Street marquee a reality.

Another signage, located on the cor-

ner of the library, is the LCR marquee. It

too will convey information on campus.

Also, hyper-signs are strategically locat-

ed in buildings throughout the campus,

and a sign will be placed outside the

Student Center where students congre-

gate.

An easier way to get our message

across, these signs are remotely updat-

ed and will increase the flow of external

and internal information being made

available to the campus and the com-

munity.

In addition to conveying information

and improving the appearance of the

campus, these digital displays are being

used to promote an even greater interest in activities and events.

LCR Marquee

Main Street Marquee

Page 4

September 3, 2018

Labor Day Holiday

September 5, 2018

STEM Club Meeting

WBSC, Room 107, 5:00 PM

September 7, 2018

Last day to drop a course

without penalty

Social, Alpha Phi Alpha

Fraternity, Inc.

Human Development Center

9:00 PM

September 8, 2018

Health and Wellness Center

11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Recreation

Human Development Center

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Bailey Brinson is a professional “edutainer” known as “The Enlight-

ened Entertainer.” Bailey B. brought his “Let’s Talk Live” show to

Morris College on Sunday, August 19, 2018 in the Neal-Jones Audito-

rium. “Pursue Purpose” was the theme as he encouraged our new

freshmen to understand their reason for being in this place at this

time. He engaged students in meaningful interactive conversations

while providing them with the communication and coping strategies

needed to navigate through this new academic experience and

throughout their lives. He did all this while keeping them entertained

with music and humor.

Freshmen Told to Pursue Purpose

Maintenance Employees Trained and Certified

In Mold Inspection and Mold Removal Mr. Lenn Ramsey (1), the

new Director of Physical Plant

at Morris College, and four

additional Maintenance Em-

ployees (Mr. Lewis Dargan (2),

Ms. Jo Ann Dennis (3), Ms. Ter-

nice Haynesworth (5), and Mr.

Luke Stewart (6)) were trained

and certified in mold inspec-

tion and mold removal on June

30-31, 2018. The two-day

course was conducted on cam-

pus by Mr. William Fisher, Jr. (4), of the Southeastern Mold Institute, Inc., a national and international mold training organiza-

tion located in Chipley, FL. Maintenance Employees received training in theory, hands-on practice, and demonstration in the

proper techniques of mold identification and removal. Posing with them is the college president, Dr. Leroy Staggers (7).

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Ms. Tanika Mangum will be on campus for the UNCF Col-

lege Tour on Wednesday, September 5, 2018, at 11:00 A.M.

in the Neal-Jones Auditorium. During her visit she will share

important information with all students about UNCF opportu-

nities such as the UNCF Student Profile. According to Mrs.

Sandra Gibson, the college’s financial aid director, completing

the UNCF Student Profile is a great way for students to max-

imize their chances to obtain additional financial aid.

Students who have not yet completed their profile will have

the opportunity to do so during the presentation. Take the

initiative to be present to receive information that will help

you.

Please contact the Office of Financial Aid at (803) 934-

3238, for additional information.

Very Important Message to Students

Tanika Mangum UNCF Outreach Relationship Manager

Scholarships and Programs

Students to Participate in Pre-Screening

Morris College student leaders will participate in a special pre-

screening for the new CBS show, “GOD Friended Me,” on Monday,

September 10, 2018 at 7:00 P.M. According to Ms. Quanda D. Sims,

Director of Counseling, screenings will be held in the Film Lecture

Room located on the third floor of the Learning Resources Center.

After the screening, Ms. Sims will be working with Mrs. Ivana Po-

povic, Assistant Professor in the Division of Religion, Humanities and

Social Sciences, and Mass Communication students conducting in-

terviews. For additional information call this number (803) 934-

~ ~ STUDENTS ~ ~